Five directors on shortlist to take over new Star Trek 3

According to reports overnight, Paramount Pictures, JJ Abrams and Skydance Productions have put together a shortlist of five directors to be behind the camera on the next Star Trek movie.

Robert Orci, who acted as both writer and producer on Star Trek and Star Trek Into Darkness, will now no longer direct the third instalment. Orci had been announced as the film's director earlier this year, replacing JJ Abrams who left to work on Star Wars, but has now returned to his role as producer.

According to Deadline, the favourite for the role is Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes' Rupert Wyatt, who has reportedly already met with producers. Also in contention are Morten Tyldum, who has just directed The Imitation Game, Justin Lin, best known for his work in the Fast And Furious franchise, and Daniel Espinosa, who has just finished work on a new adaptation of Child 44 and previously directed chiller Safe House.

Also named on the shortlist is Source Code and Moon director Duncan Jones, who is in post-production on his new epic action adventure Warcraft, however, Jones has already ruled himself out of the running, tweeting:

Very flattering being on short list for Star Trek, but won't be doing it. Absolutely MUST make my own thing next, or I'll die of old age!